Absent-Voices-Popup

Sweet Day Out At Beacon Arts

WHAT: Absent Voices Pop Up Show WHEN: Friday 28th March 2014 from 2.30-8.30pm WHERE: Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock, PA15 1HJ Full press release: Absent Voices Popup at Beacon Arts Centre Invitation flyer: Pop-up Invitation

SWEET DAY OUT ON OFFER AT BEACON ARTS CENTRE

A group of Inverclyde-based artists and musicians is holding a free day-long event featuring live music and art at Greenock’s Beacon Arts Centre. The group of eight artists-in-residence at Greenock’s historic A-listed Sugar Sheds have been working on a project called Absent Voices, exploring the rich legacy of the sugar industry in Inverclyde. Primary schools, community groups and members of the public have been collaborating with the artists-in-residence and now the group wants to share this work-in-progress with the public. The artists are also looking for people who worked in the sugar industry to come forward and take part in the Absent Voices project. Their memories will contribute to a visual and sonic archive which the artists are currently building up as a lasting legacy. The Absent Voices Pop Up will take place on Friday, March 28 from 2.30 until 8.30pm. The eight artists will be joined by celebrated Inverclyde maritime artist, James Watt, who will display several of his iconic Clydeside paintings for one day only. Mr Watt will be speaking at the event about the importance of drawing as a tool for gathering information. Absent Voices lead artist, Alec Galloway, said: “As a group we have all been working on creating an archive which will tell the story of the once-mighty sugar industry in Inverclyde. “This pop-up event will give us a chance to spread the word about Absent Voices far and wide and to encourage members of the public to become involved in this exciting initiative.”

POP-UP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

  • A display of drawings, paintings, photography, stained glass and poetry inspired by Inverclyde’s sugar industry heritage
  • Artwork produced by Inverclyde primary schools and community groups
  • Absent Voices artists, Rod Miller & Anne McKay, sharing their experiences of Sugar Sheds drawing walks in which members of the public have taken part
  • Live performances from Kevin McDermott and Yvonne Lyon ((check Absent Voices website for timings)
  • Samples from an under-construction soundtrack of the Sugar Sheds by Ryan King & Alan Carlisle
  • Beautiful Sugar Shed-inspired photography by Alastair Cook, alongside new writing from Scottish poet John Glenday.
  • The opportunity to sign up for FREE workshops in stained glass, urban sketching tours around Inverclyde, digital photography and songwriting.